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Why "Tiger Grass" Is The New Skin Care Ingredient You Have to Know About

Expert Advice
1/26/2018

Why "Tiger Grass" Is The New Skin Care Ingredient You Have to Know About

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“Tiger grass” may sound like something straight out of the jungle, but it’s actually an ingredient that’s making its way into all sorts of skin care products. If you haven’t heard the name tiger grass—or centella asiatica, as it’s also known—uttered before, chances are you will soon. The ingredient is only rising in popularity, despite many not knowing quite what it is yet. That’s where we can help. Read on to find out what tiger grass is, and why you want to give it a spot in your skin care routine.

What Is “Tiger Grass”?

You already know that tiger grass is one in the same as centella asiatica, but that doesn’t answer the question of what tiger grass actually is. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), centella asiatica is a medicinal plant that has been widely used in the East and has recently started to gain traction in the West. The NCBIalso reports that centella asiatica has been referred to as a “panacea”, as well as a “miracle elixir of life” for thousands of years. Intrigued yet?

The Benefits of Tiger Grass/Centella Asiatica

Centella asiatica is most well-known for its wound healing abilities. In fact, legend has it that centella asiatica got its nickname of “tiger grass” from tigers that would roll around in the plant after battle in an effort to soothe their wounds. While we can’t confirm the legitimacy of that tale, the NCBI does state that centella asiatica has traditionally been recommended for wounds, with increasingly supportive research for these claims. The NCBI also states that centella asiatica has been used to address a wide range of dry-skin related conditions thanks to its ability to improve skin hydration, and that it’s a suitable ingredient for anti-aging formulations.

To learn more about centella asiatica, we reached out to board-certified dermatologist, and Skincare.com consultant, Dr. Dendy Engelman. Engelman, who considers herself a fan of centella asiatica, spoke on the ingredient saying, “It contains saponins, which serve to be anti-inflammatory.” Based on that description, you might be able to conclude that centella asiatica would be appropriate for use on sensitive skin types—and you’d be right. The NCBI confirms that in addition to all its others uses, most formulations with centella asiatica can complement dry and sensitive skin.

Moral of the story? The next time you’re at the drugstore or beauty depot, keep an eye out for tiger grass/centella asiatica. Hint: You’re most likely to find the ingredient within cica creams.